Load your unit according to need. If you’re storing items you may need access to later, such as holiday decorations or lawn equipment, make sure you pack them near the front. When loading your self storage unit, pack the items you know you’ll need the least access to in the back and continue forward, with the most frequently used items near the door.

Don’t put easily carried, valuable items like TVs or stereos near the front; hide them behind other boxes to deter theft. When stacking boxes, start with heavier, larger boxes on the bottom and put smaller or fragile item boxes on top.

Check to see if there is adequate lighting around the building and that access to the self storage facility is controlled either by a gate or code lock. Ask about access times and how the facility grants access to the units, as well as surveillance cameras and monitoring.

Don’t get caught off guard by hidden administrative fees, penalties, and other clauses that may exist in your agreement. Take the time to go over each part of your contract before signing so you’re aware of all of the facility policies and guidelines.

I find it very difficult and time consuming to store everything without using boxes. So now I use boxes.

Label EVERYTHING. Specific labels will help make finding that ONE item later a breeze, especially if you provide a short inventory on the box. Each "Kitchen" box should also include a short list of contents like "pots and pans" "dish towels, aprons, trays" so you don’t waste time opening the wrong box.

To avoid mold and mildew damage to your stored items, especially household appliances, make sure they are clean and dry before being placed in your self storage unit. Run appliances like dishwashers on an empty cycle to remove residue and leave the doors to refrigerators slightly open to allow airflow.

First find out if your other insurance, such as car insurance, already protects your stored items. Ask your storage facility if they require insurance, and if they have preferred insurance companies to recommend. Consider private storage insurance if you are storing very valuable or sentimentally important items.

Take stock of how big the items are that you need to store when choosing both the size of your self storage unit and a transportation method. Always estimate a bit over in the size unit you’ll need, as it’s best to have too much space than too little. Also consider if you’ll need a moving truck to get your stored items from the storage facility to home, or if a few friends and cars can do the job.

If you have a large or awkward item like a couch or art sculpture, be sure to measure it first. Consider the building entrances and if you’ll be able to fit large items through the doors. To avoid having an item not fit when it comes time to load your unit, double check the dimensions first.

As you pack boxes up for storage, go through your items and consider if they’re necessary to store. You may find that many items you’re holding on to are better donated to charity or sold at a yard sale. Consider your self storage to be an opportunity for some spring cleaning!

If you’re using self storage as a temporary solution for moving from home to home, consider the location of your storage facility. Decide if it will be more convenient to have your storage unit near your old house or your new one. You should also compare prices in the two areas as well; depending on the areas there may be substantial differences in price.

Try to use similarly sized boxes to help when stacking them later in your self storage unit. Avoid flimsy boxes as they could break when loaded with heavier items. When reusing old boxes make sure they’re clean and dry to avoid risking mildew and mold growth.

Don’t tackle the heavy items alone, grab a few friends and load as a team. Take advantage of any free loading equipment that your storage facility provides like carts or dollies and save the stress on your back. If you’re lifting a lot of heavy items, you may want to look into lift assist straps or a lumbar support "back support belt".

If you have old sheets, towels or other non-fragile linens that you don’t mind getting a little wrinkled use them as cushioning around odd-shaped items in boxes. The box will protect the cloth from dirt, and you’ll save money on packing materials.

Many storage facilities provide discounts to students and military personnel. Some may offer members of AAA or AARP a discount, as well as members of local organizations. Many self storage facilities also offer discounted rates if you pay for your storage up front rather than month-to-month.

Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton.

To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be completely enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap.

The busiest moving times are the end and beginning of the month. If moving during these times, schedule moving time early.

Return any borrowed items such as library books. Also collect all items that are being repaired stored or cleaned.

Change your address on credit cards, bank accounts and other important documents at least a week before your move.

Ask your self storage facility about their pest control measures. You don't want vermin in your belongings.

Get a folder to keep all records related to the move.

Place heavier boxes at the bottom of your box stack in your room.

Use packing tape to seal boxes in order to keep out dust.

Do not store toxins or flammables. These include paint, oil, or gasoline.

When choosing a mover, price shouldn't be the only factor. A below market price can often indicate a desperate mover.

In order to avoid unwanted scents, keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly ajar.

Use this opportunity to rid your wardrobe of items you rarely wear

Tables with removable legs should be "broken down" to save space

Only consider using movers who are licensed, bonded, insured.

If you need a climate-controlled unit, expect to pay 20% - 50% more.

Most facilities will not allow you to store more than four tires in your unit because of the cost of disposing them.

Buy quality moving boxes and do not pack your valuables in old or used boxes.

Wrap mirrors and other fragile items in bubble wrap before placing them in your storage unit.

If moving locally, leave the power and water on at your old address for a few days so that you can go back and clean up.

It's better to choose a smaller unit and pack it to the ceiling instead of paying for space you're not using.

Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes.

Create a floor plan that will prevent the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives at your new home.

Remove or fold the handles on lawnmowers and garden equipment and drain all gasoline out of a tool before storing.

If possible, pack electronics in their original cartons, or sturdy boxes with sufficient bubble wrap or padding

Consider how long you will need the storage unit. Facilities often offer discounts for long-term storage.

Don't overload your boxes. Pack only what you can manage to lift - for most people, this is usually 40 pounds

Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines

Pillows make good padding for fragile items

Load your goods in a pre-designated order, saving "last load" items for last e.g. vacuum cleaner or bed sheets.

Don't pack items in sealed plastic bags as humidity can cause mildew

As a courtesy, be sure to provide cold drinks or food, whichever is suitable for that day, to your movers.

Evaluate a minimum of three movers based on in-home estimates of goods to be moved

Try to use things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cleaners, before your move day.

Plan to cover your items once in storage for further protection.

If you are a business owner and already have insurance. consider supplemental insurance for additional coverage.